Canadian Dental Care Plan

 What Is the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP)?

The Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) is a national dental benefits program launched by the Government of Canada to make essential dental care more affordable and accessible for Canadians who do not have private dental insurance. This program is designed to remove financial barriers to oral health services, helping more individuals and families maintain strong, healthy smiles.

Administered by Health Canada and managed by Sun Life, the CDCP allows eligible patients to use their coverage at participating CDCP-approved dental clinics across Canada. The plan provides support for a wide range of preventive and restorative dental services, including routine exams, professional cleanings, X-rays, fillings, tooth extractions, dentures, and more. Coverage levels depend on household income and the CDCP fee guide, ensuring patients get access to care in a fair and equitable way.

Who Is Eligible for the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP)?

In accordance with the Ontario Dental Association, Collingwood Family Dental recommends consulting our dentists and dental professionals in order to determine the frequency of each patient’s dental visits per year. While some patients may only require one or two Dental Exams per year, others may need additional exams.

You may be eligible for the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) if you meet the following requirements:

• No private dental insurance – The plan is designed for Canadians who do not currently have coverage through an employer or private insurance plan.
• Household income under $90,000 per year – Eligibility is based on your adjusted family net income.
• Canadian residency with a valid SIN – You must be a resident of Canada and have a Social Insurance Number (SIN) to apply.

For more detailed information about eligibility and how to apply, visit the Government of Canada’s official Canadian Dental Care Plan website.

What Dental Services Are Covered?

The Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) offers coverage for a variety of essential dental services to help Canadians maintain strong, healthy teeth while reducing out-of-pocket costs. Designed for those without private dental insurance, the program supports preventive, diagnostic, and restorative dental care, ensuring patients can access the treatment they need for a healthy smile.

Here’s a breakdown of the services covered under the CDCP:

• Routine Checkups and Cleanings

Regular dental exams and professional cleanings are vital for preventing cavities, gum disease, and other oral health issues. The CDCP covers these preventive services to help you maintain healthy teeth and gums.

• X-rays and Diagnostic Exams

Dental X-rays and other diagnostic procedures help dentists detect hidden problems, such as tooth decay, bone loss, or impacted teeth, before they become more serious.

• Dental Fillings and Restorations

If your teeth are affected by decay or damage, the CDCP helps cover restorative treatments like fillings. These procedures restore tooth structure and function while preventing further deterioration.

• Root Canal Therapy (When Eligible)

For teeth that can be saved, the plan may provide partial coverage for root canal treatments, which remove infection and preserve the natural tooth.

• Tooth Extractions

When a tooth is too damaged or decayed to be saved, the CDCP includes coverage for necessary extractions to protect overall oral health.

• Crowns and Dentures

Eligible patients can also receive coverage for dental crowns and dentures. Some procedures may require pre-determination to confirm coverage under the plan.

Coverage amounts and eligibility for each procedure depend on household income and the CDCP fee guide set by the Government of Canada. Certain services may require pre-authorization or may be covered only at a portion of the total cost.

At Collingwood Family Dental, our experienced team will review your treatment options, direct bill Sun Life on your behalf, and answer any questions you may have about using your CDCP benefits. We’re committed to making the process simple, transparent, and stress-free so you can focus on achieving a healthy smile.

How to Use Your CDCP Coverage at Our Office

Using your Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) benefits at Collingwood Family Dental is easy and hassle-free. Here’s how it works:

• Confirm Your Eligibility

Make sure you’ve received your CDCP card or member information from Sun Life and meet the program’s eligibility requirements.

• Bring Your CDCP Details to Your Appointment

Bring your member information with you so our team can verify your coverage quickly and efficiently.

• Direct Billing

Our staff will submit your claim directly to the CDCP on your behalf, so you don’t need to handle the paperwork.

• Pay Only What’s Necessary

You’ll only be responsible for any costs that exceed your plan’s coverage, keeping out-of-pocket expenses to a minimum.

• Pre-Determinations Available

If you’d like to confirm your coverage or estimate out-of-pocket costs before your visit, our team can request a pre-determination from Sun Life. This ensures you know exactly what portion of your treatment will be covered under the CDCP.

Our goal is to make using your Canadian Dental Care Plan benefits simple and stress-free, so you can focus on receiving the dental care you need in a welcoming, professional environment.

Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) Fee Guide vs Ontario Dental Association (ODA) Fee Guide

When the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) was introduced, the Government of Canada created a separate fee guide specifically for all CDCP-covered dental services. This CDCP Fee Guide sets fees that are generally lower than the standard Ontario Dental Association (ODA) Fee Guide.

At Collingwood Family Dental, we follow the ODA Fee Guide for all our patients, regardless of insurance coverage.